Buttigieg And Cutajar Call Out Parents Who Warned Gay Teacher Clashes With Their Christian Values

More reactions are emerging to media reports about a couple who allegedly removed their children from a state primary school, citing concerns that a gay teacher conflicted with their Christian values.

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality Rebecca Buttigieg said the story is a sign that the nation hasn’t yet done enough in terms of promoting LGBT+ rights.

“Whenever someone asks me whether we’ve done enough, I always respond that we still have work to do because these mistaken mentalities are still out there. Every parent wants what is best for their child but I cannot understand how someone’s identity cam impact their professionalism.”

And PL MP Rosianne Cutajar said it’s absurd that people still view gays as some kind of danger to society in this day and age.

“Sexual orientation isn’t some kind of contagious influenza that makes you less competent,” she said.

“The irony is that these parents who removed their children from school under the pretext that they need to protect them aren’t realising that this drastic decision will have a negative psychological impact on them as they will be forced to start from the beginning, make new friends and get used to a new environment.”

“Solidarity with the teacher and well done to the St Clare College.”

According to Times of Malta, the parents contacted the school’s staff this month to raise concerns about Stefan Vassallo, a teacher who has some ten years of experience.

The couple was reported as saying that they “did not like the idea of children mixing with people ‘who are not straight,’” ultimately leading to their decision of moving their children to a “more suitable” environment.

Vassallo told media that despite his lack of confrontation in the past, he claimed that he is still “always walking on eggshells” due to unpredictable reactions from people or parents – having to occasionally “tone it down.”

Education Minister Clifton Grima also praised the school for the way it handled the situation and described it as one of the “best educational communities in our country.